Tattoos may be permanent, but sometimes, people decide they want them off.
For instance, tattoos may bring up old memories or they may no longer suit a person’s tastes or lifestyle. Cosmetic tattoos like microblading may not look good anymore or they were botched in the first place.
Whatever the reason for tattoo regret may be, saline tattoo removal offers a safe, natural, and much less painful way to make it go away.
Many people wonder if saline tattoo removal works better than laser treatments.
Keep reading to learn more about saline tattoo removal, how it works compared to laser, and why it may be the right choice for you.
What is saline tattoo removal and how does it work?
It’s a process that uses saline (salt water) to fade or completely remove tattoos.
The solution is injected into the tattoo using a tool similar to a tattoo gun or microblading pen, then left for a short period of time. This allows the salt water to break down the ink in your skin and essentially pull it out.
This will trigger a process called osmosis, in which the saline will pull out the pigment through the skin’s outer layer. That area will heal, scab over, and fall off to reveal a lighter tattoo.
The saline fluid is typically made up of sodium chloride (salt) and purified water. Some brands include additives like aloe vera and orange seed extracts, which make the saline more effective and soothing.
What can you use saline tattoo removal for?
It’s an excellent option for smaller tattoos with lighter colors.
Saline tattoo removal is also particularly effective for permanent makeup, such as eyebrow tattoos and lip liners.
What does an eyebrow tattoo look like after saline treatment?
Once the scab heals and falls off, the eyebrow tattoo will fade significantly (or completely with enough sessions).
The results can also be pretty dramatic for traditional ones with lighter colors. However, if your tattoo uses darker pigments like black, the results may be less noticeable during the first few sessions.
Is the removal of saline tattoo painful?
It feels very similar to getting tattooed or a permanent eyebrow, but less painful. Some describe it as a prickling or stinging sensation.
The discomfort varies depending on your pain tolerance and how sensitive your skin is to treatments like this one. Some may even experience after-treatment soreness similar to the way they feel when they get a tattoo.
Saline Eyebrow Tattoo Removal Vs. Laser Removal
Compared to saline treatment, laser removal has been around for much longer and is currently one of the most popular methods for getting rid of unwanted tattoos.
It works by targeting the ink particles in your skin and breaking them down using high-intensity light. It can penetrate much deeper into your skin to destroy pigment remnants that may have been missed during the initial treatment.
However, not everyone can have laser treatments.
For instance, if your tattoo is located near the eyes or has a lot of white in it — making it harder to treat — then laser tattoo removal may not be a good option for you.
Saline tattoo removal is a good choice if you want a natural solution that doesn’t require extensive recovery time or cause unwanted side effects.
Here’s a closer comparison between the two:
1. Saline eyebrow tattoo removal is less painful than laser removal.
People often feel more pain with laser treatment because it’s breaking up the ink with heat. That can mean a burning sensation that some find painful or intolerable.
In contrast, saline tattoo removal can feel like a mild stinging sensation, but for most people, it simply feels uncomfortable at most.
2. Tattoo removal saline is more effective for permanent makeup.
Laser tattoo removal is a fantastic option for bigger and darker tattoos. Laser is better at breaking up dense colors and shades, such as black.
When the saline solution comes in contact with a tattoo, it only affects the top layer of skin—the epidermis. This means that saline will remove lighter tattoos more effectively than laser would.
That’s why it’s important to note that for permanent makeup like microblading, a saline solution treatment often works better than laser.
3. Both have similar healing processes.
Whether you go for laser or saline eyebrow tattoo removal, you need to let the skin heal completely before each session. This can take 8-10 weeks for saline, and at least 6 weeks or longer for laser.
A scab will form over the area treated with either treatment type, and it can take a few weeks to heal. Make sure to follow aftercare instructions, such as not pulling at the scab, to avoid scarring and infections.
4. Laser is great for larger tattoos, while saline is ideal for smaller ones.
If you have a larger tattoo (especially with lots of black and dark shades), laser tattoo removal is the way to go.
For small and subtle tattoos, saline can be a better option for fading or expunging it, with fewer sessions than laser requires.
5. Laser treatments can be more expensive than saline.
Since laser treatment targets ink at a deeper level in the skin, it’s pricier than saline tattoo removal.
Most people need 6-8 or more laser sessions before their tattoo is fully removed, while saline tattoo removal sessions are typically shorter and with less frequency.
6. Saline and laser are both safe methods for removing a tattoo.
Both saline and laser are effective methods for removing or fading a tattoo, with very few risks. However, some people prefer saline because of its all-natural properties.
Some also choose saline for cosmetic work like microblading, because laser treatment may require the eyebrow hair to be shaved off. In contrast, saline eyebrow tattoo removal can go on top of the hair without shaving.
7. Saline may be a better choice if you have dark or sensitive skin.
Unlike laser removal, there’s less chance of scarring with saline tattoo treatment. It’s also more gentle on the skin. Any redness or scabbing usually disappears within a few days or weeks, and there’s less swelling and discomfort than with laser treatment.
8. Saline treatment is better for tattoos with white ink.
White ink tattoos respond better to saline removal than they do to laser treatment, which may not identify the ink.
Saline vs. Laser Removal: Which One is Better?
Both saline and laser tattoo removal can cause excellent results. However, there are some instances when saline treatment may be the better option:
- If your skin is more sensitive or prone to scarring, then opt for saline tattoo removal. It also causes less swelling and discomfort than laser does, so you should consider it if you have sensitive or thin skin that’s easily irritated.
- If you have a small tattoo with lighter colors, you’re better off with saline removal. If you have a larger or darker tattoo, especially those with black ink, then laser treatment may be the better choice for you.
- Saline is generally cheaper than laser. This makes it a good option if the budget is an important factor for you.
- For permanent makeup tattoos, tattoo removal saline is usually safer and more effective.
FAQs
Does saline tattoo removal actually work?
Absolutely, it does. Saline removal is on the rise, and it’s actually proving to be more effective than laser treatment in certain cases.
Does saline tattoo removal hurt?
Not as much as laser treatment, but you can experience some discomfort depending on your pain tolerance.
Is saline removal safe?
Saline tattoo removal is safe with very few risks involved. However, it’s not recommended for those with serious skin conditions which can impede healing.
What can I expect during saline removal?
You’ll need several sessions for successful results using this method. Plan for several weeks of healing time in between each session, and avoid picking at the scab.
What solution is used for saline removal of tattoos?
Salt and purified water. You may also see some other ingredients depending on the brand you choose, but these two are the principal components.
How can I remove permanent eyebrows?
For a less painful, cheaper method that doesn’t require shaving off your brows, try saline removal.
Can I do saline removal treatment at home?
It’s safer to have a professional do the procedure for you. They know how to apply the saline, and they can ensure everything is done correctly and safely.
How many sessions are needed for saline removal of tattoos?
Generally, you’ll need to schedule at least 4-6 sessions spaced out over a few weeks or months to see successful results with this method.
Interested in Tattoo Removal?
Hopefully, we answered all of your questions about this amazing procedure. If you still have some concerns or if you want to schedule a tattoo removal session, schedule a FREE consultation here at Studio Conceal.
We’d love to walk you through your options, so you feel happy and confident with whatever treatment you decide on!